To check or not to check? An exploratory study on source checking by Dutch journalists.

Authors Piet Bakker, Els Diekerhof
Published in Journal of Applied Journalism & Media Studies
Publication date 2012
Research groups Quality Journalism in Digital Transition
Type Article

Summary

Verifying information is one of the core activities of journalism. However, recent research shows that many stories derive from unchecked information from news agencies and PR material. That being said, reporters who do not use this pre-packaged material, but who instead produce original stories based on independent research, might be journalists who stay devoted to the verification of information. Therefore, this study focuses on in-depth stories that originated inside the newsroom. We expected that these kinds of stories would be checked and double-checked, because time constraints are less important and these stories are characteristic of independent, quality journalism. Contrary to this expectation, the results show that even these kinds of stories are not always vetted. The lack of time was seldom mentioned as an excuse. Our research points to avoidance mechanisms which inhibit journalists from verifying their information.

On this publication contributed

  • Els Diekerhof
    Els Diekerhof
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Quality Journalism in Digital Transition

Language English
Published in Journal of Applied Journalism & Media Studies
Year and volume 1 2
Key words Journalistiek (Journalism), Journalistieke vaardigheden (Journalistic skills), Verificatie (Fact checking), Journalistieke bronnen, Journalistiek gedrag, Ethiek, Wetenschappelijk onderzoek
Page range 241-253

Els Diekerhof

Els Diekerhof

Els Diekerhof

  • Researcher
  • Research group: Quality Journalism in Digital Transition

Quality journalism in Digital Transition